The LDS Temple Celestial Room

The Celestial Room is usually the largest and most ornate room in the temple. It is generally located in an upper floor of the temple, often taking up the space of two floors, and it is elevated above other rooms on the same floor. Celestial Rooms in many of the temples have very high, vaulted or domed ceilings that give magnificence to the room. All of them are brightly lit with brilliant crystal chandeliers and elegant light fixtures which significantly add to the aesthetic beauty of the room. But the design is not just for aesthetics; it plays a functional role in the teachings of the temple through symbolism.

The Celestial Room of the temple represents The Celestial Kingdom, which is the Kingdom of God and the highest of the Three Kingdoms of Glory. In the Bible it is compared to the "glory of the sun". One of the lessons of the temple taught through symbolism is that of ascension—mankind’s spiritual journey within God’s Plan of Salvation and Happiness wherein we progress from a fallen mortal condition to a redeemed and exalted state into the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ. The bright lights represent the glory, light and truth of Christ. When patrons enter the Celestial Room, it is symbolic of entering into the kingdom and the presence of Jesus Christ and God The Father. The elevated ceilings draw the eyes heavenward and remind us to look to the God of Heaven for guidance.

The Celestial Room is used as a place for quiet reflection, prayer, receiving inspiration, spiritual rejuvenation and drawing closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus. While in the Celestial Room, people whisper to show reverence to God and to maintain the tranquil spirit of the room. Spending time in the Celestial Room with husbands, wives, family members and other loved ones reminds us that as long as we keep our faith in Christ and are true to our temple covenants, we will all be together as a family in Heavenly Father's Celestial Kingdom. There is no greater joy in the world than spending time in the temple with your family.

Celestial Room in the Sacramento, California Temple

Celestial Room in the Accra, Ghana Temple

Celestial Room in the Palmyra, New York Temple
This Celestial Room features stained glass windows depicting The Sacred Grove, which the temple overlooks.

Celestial Room in the Nauvoo, Illinois Temple
Here's some trivia for you. The original Nauvoo Temple, which was destroyed by an arsonist in the late 1840's, was the first temple the church built that had a space used as a Celestial Room. Though the room, and temple, weren't completed before the Mormons were forced to abandon them, the original Celestial Room was a partitioned area in the upper floor and was decorated with plants, flowers and beautiful furnishing to set it apart and add to the aesthetic.

Celestial Room in the Gilbert, Arizona Temple

Celestial Room in the San Diego, California Temple
This is one of my favorite Celestial Rooms because of its grandeur and ethereal beauty. The picture really doesn't do it enough justice. The height of the room spans the East spire of the temple and the refracted natural light from the stained glass window gives it a truly heavenly ambiance.

Celestial Room in the Newport Beach, California Temple

Celestial Room in the San Antonio, Texas Temple
The trees in the stained glass windows represent the Tree of Life, which is a symbol of eternal life, of Christ and His Atonement, and of the love of God.

Celestial Room in the Washington, DC Temple
This Celestial Room, and others, are decorated with mirrors on facing walls. This provides a representation of eternity as patrons see themselves in an unending reflection.

Celestial Room in the Draper, Utah Temple
The Celestial Room is a sanctuary were you can figuratively leave the world and all worldly cares and distractions behind and focus your mind and spirit heavenward.

"And thus we saw the glory of the celestial, which excels in all things--where God, even the Father, reigns upon his throne forever and ever; Before whose throne all things bow in humble reverence, and give him glory forever and ever."
Doctrine and Covenants 76:92-93